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The adoption of the cloud as a fundamental infrastructure for companies has intensified in recent years. This is because this new digital environment guarantees more flexibility and scalability for companies.
According to studies by Gartner , it is expected that by 2025 at least 85% of organizations will be using cloud computing.
And, within this context, the multicloud , which combines different cloud providers, is increasingly popular.
This is because this approach allows companies to distribute workloads and applications across multiple cloud environments, optimizing performance, providing greater flexibility and avoiding dependence on a single vendor.
However, the complexity of multicloud environments also brings with it new challenges, especially with regard to data and application security.
In this article, we will explore the basic concepts of multicloud, the benefits and challenges of this approach, the main security threats, and best practices for protecting your data and applications in this type of environment.
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What is a multicloud environment?
A multicloud environment is one in which a company uses more than one cloud platform to host applications, data and services.
These platforms can include both public clouds and private clouds.
By adopting a multicloud strategy, companies can avoid dependence on a single cloud vendor, increasing flexibility and resilience .
Furthermore, they can choose the supplier that best meets their specific needs in different areas.
A multicloud environment also allows you to choose the best tools and services from each supplier, optimizing performance and costs.
Benefits and challenges of multicloud environments
Multicloud environments provide flexibility and scalability, but they also present significant security management challenges. Therefore, it is essential to understand these aspects to make informed decisions about adoption.
Flexibility and scalability
Multicloud environments allow companies to leverage the best of each cloud provider . They can select specific services based on application and business needs.
This provides high availability and redundancy. Additionally, companies can scale resources quickly , avoiding limitations and bottlenecks associated with a single provider.
Another point that the diversity of available services allows is rapid and efficient innovation . Companies can adopt new technologies more quickly and respond to the market in an agile manner.
Complexity in security management
On the other hand, the use of multiple clouds increases the complexity of security management . This is because each cloud provider has different security policies, tools, and procedures, making it more difficult to maintain unified control.
Therefore, companies adopting multicloud need a coordinated approach to maintain security in such a diverse environment.
Another point of attention is credentials and access management. The multiplicity of platforms requires a robust IAM (Identity and Access Management) strategy to prevent unauthorized access.
Finally, obtaining a consolidated view of all operations also becomes complicated, requiring specialized tools and practices for continuous monitoring and incident response.
Main security threats in multicloud environments
Multicloud environments face multiple security threats. Among the most critical are data breaches, misconfigurations and insider threats. See in more detail below:
Data breaches
Data breaches are one of the biggest concerns when we talk about cybersecurity, and this intensifies in multicloud environments. This is because, with information distributed across multiple platforms, the risk of unauthorized access increases, especially if security measures are not consistent across all clouds.
These incidents may occur due to network security breaches, software vulnerabilities or unauthorized access to sensitive data.
And the impact of data breaches is significant, involving financial loss, reputational damage and legal complications.
Therefore, companies need to implement strict controls, such as encryption, multi-factor authentication and constant monitoring to mitigate these risks.
Additionally, keeping systems updated and performing regular security is also crucial to preventing these breaches.
Incorrect Settings
Misconfigurations are a common cause of vulnerabilities in multicloud environments. Errors in the configuration of cloud resources can expose critical data to unauthorized access. These include poorly defined access permissions, unsecured services, lack of encryption, and network segmentation failures.
These errors are often the result of a lack of knowledge or haste in implementation.
Therefore, using automation tools can help detect and correct these errors. Additionally, frequent audits and specific configuration policies are also essential to ensure that all resources are properly configured and secured.
Insider threats
Not only what comes from outside is dangerous. When we talk about information security , whether in one or more clouds, looking inward is essential.
When we talk about internal threats, they are risks coming from employees, contractors or partners who have legitimate access to the company's systems.
These individuals may, intentionally or unintentionally, compromise the security of data and systems.
To mitigate this, it is important to adopt a zero trust approach , limiting access to only what is truly necessary.
Additionally, implementing strict security policies, training employees in security practices, and monitoring suspicious activity are effective and fundamental measures.
Another important point is that using identity and access control solutions helps reduce the risk of malicious or accidental actions by internal users.
Strategies for protecting data and applications in a multicloud environment
As we have seen, multicloud has its advantages, but it presents security challenges that require a robust approach. Now, let's look at the main strategies to ensure that applications and data are secure in this environment.
Consistent security policies
The first and fundamental step is to establish and implement consistent security policies.
To achieve this, companies must standardize security rules and standards across all cloud platforms used.
The practice includes clearly defining access permissions, multi-factor authentication and software . It is also essential to establish compliance guidelines with regulations such as GDPR or LGPD .
Additionally, regular training for staff on good security practices ensures that all users are aware of the policies implemented and know how to apply them correctly.
Continuous monitoring and auditing
The second step is continuous monitoring to quickly identify and respond to potential threats. real-time monitoring tools automation technologies on the market that help in this process, facilitating the detection of suspicious activities and intrusions.
Additionally, regular audits are essential. They assess whether security policies are being followed and whether there are gaps in the system.
Incident reports and activity logs play a vital role in this process. Companies can use this data to continually adjust and improve their security strategies.
Use of advanced encryption
Encryption is one of the most effective techniques for protecting data and applications.
In the multicloud environment, the use of advanced encryption ensures that data in transit and at rest is secure. This is because this technology “encodes” the information, which can only be accessed and read by whoever has the security key.
Therefore, it is recommended that companies adopt end-to-end encryption for all critical communications and storage, in all cloud environments that are present.
Additionally, it is important to carry out regular testing to ensure that the encryption methods used are not vulnerable to new forms of cyberattacks.
Tools and technologies for multicloud security
Implementing security strategies is essential to protecting multicloud environments. And to make everything work, specific tools and technologies are needed. The most effective include security management, threat detection and response, as well as backup and disaster recovery solutions. Let's see more:
Multicloud Security Management Platforms (CSPM)
Cloud Security Management Platforms (CSPM) are key to ensuring compliance and security in multi-cloud environments.
It is an automated tool that identifies security risks in cloud infrastructure, providing centralized visibility and helping to identify vulnerabilities and misconfigurations .
Tools like these allow you to continuously monitor and manage security policies, ensuring that all clouds are compliant with security standards.
Additionally, these platforms offer detailed reports and automatic alerts on any detected anomalies. This allows IT teams to act quickly to mitigate potential risks.
Threat detection and response systems
Threat Detection and Response Systems are essential for identifying malicious activity in real time.
This is because this type of technology uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to analyze large volumes of data and detect suspicious patterns. This enables a faster and more effective response to security incidents.
These systems offer ongoing support and can be managed by specialized service providers who monitor and respond to threats 24/7.
It is important for organizations to choose systems that easily integrate with their existing infrastructures to ensure effective protection.
Backup and disaster recovery solutions
When we talk about cybersecurity, the term prevention is very present. Therefore, backup and disaster recovery solutions are essential in multicloud environments.
These solutions enable automatic backup and rapid restoration of data in the event of failures or cyber attacks. This way, assets are protected and accessible in case of any eventuality.
Additionally, this type of solution also offers the ability to create detailed recovery plans , which ensure that essential business processes can be resumed without significant disruption.
Skyone is your best partner for the cloud environment
During the article we saw numerous aspects about multicloud, its benefits, challenges and strategies to protect yourself in this environment.
And to put all this into practice, there is nothing better than being able to count on a partner who is an expert on the subject.
That's why the Skyone cloud computing and cybersecurity modules with diversified products that will boost your business and make your cloud assets more protected.
Talk to our experts and request a demo!
Conclusion
Throughout the text we understand the concept of multicloud, which, in practice, allows companies to use services from different cloud providers to host their applications, data, etc.
This provides a flexible approach to distributing workloads across multiple platforms, increasing resiliency, scalability and operational efficiency .
However, entering the multicloud universe presents challenges, especially related to information security, which becomes more complex.
Therefore, to face these challenges, it is essential that companies adopt a proactive and integrated approach to security.
Do you want to know more about information security and how to protect your company? Access our special guide on the subject!
